Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
Collaborates with the Lead PA to organize unit tasks and make staff assignments.
Directs Psychiatric Assistants to complete unit tasks assigned.
Assists RN and Lead PA in processing and debriefing unusual events and behavioral crises with staff.
Assists in developing individual treatment plans for clients.
Assists in developing a Performance Improvement plan for problem areas.
Maintains client level of supervision and precautions determined by the treatment team.
Identifies and reports unsafe conditions in the milieu.
Intervenes to modify client behavior including verbal interaction and engaging the client in activities.
Manages behavioral crises under the direction of an RN including 1:1 observation, redirection, physical restraint and team crisis intervention.
Establishes and maintains positive, therapeutic relationships with clients.
Completes fifteen-minute checks thoroughly and in a timely manner.
Identifies and properly handles sharps and contraband.
Logs meetings with staff.
Provides routine feedback to charge nurse regarding staff progress in de-escalation and crisis management.
Organizes unit tasks and makes staff assignments for the shift.
Monitors assignments to ensure completion of tasks and effective distribution of workload.
Remains available to unit staff and patients to maintain continuous awareness of the milieu.
Keeps the Charge Nurse apprised of developing milieu issues, and collaborates in deciding on a course of intervention.
Assists Charge Nurse in processing and debriefing unusual events and behavioral crises with staff.
Connects with the Lead PA's from both the previous and subsequent shifts to facilitate communication of pertinent milieu management issues.
Updates Treatment Plan under direction of RN and reviews with client.
Reports changes observed in clients' behavior to the treatment team.
Documents observations, care provided and client responses according to DAR format.
Collaborates with unit staff to provide feedback/input into individual client treatment plans and progress toward goals.
Completes the Nursing Procedures section of the Nursing Assessment for new admissions including body search and checking belongings.
Takes client's vital signs as needed and reports abnormalities to the Registered Nurse.
Assists with implementing aftercare plans at discharge.
Orientation of new personnel based on the Preceptor Guidelines.
Meets with Psychiatric Assistant I's as requested by Lead PA to provide feedback on performance and effectiveness.
Reports issues of job performance or effectiveness to supervisor.
Plans group interventions based on the needs of the current client group.
Clearly and legibly documents the client's attendance and response to the intervention.
Participates in training experiences related to group leadership.
Provides assistance with personal hygiene.
Observes client's appetite and sleep and promotes healthy nutrition and sleep patterns.
Assists with toileting, ambulating and positioning clients as needed.
Conducts a discharge group for adolescents preparing for discharge as needed.
Role-play with adolescents on how they will respond to questions regarding absence from school.
Ensure each patient has completed a discharge packet including a safety contract; home contract and letters on relevant topics.
Track the completion on Discharge Tracking form.
Serves as member of the TCI task force.
Offers support to the Lead PA or activity staff when there is staff shortage.
Updates changes in client data in the computer and replenishes paperwork in the client chart.
Common Expectations:
Reports any problem areas affecting the functioning of the unit.
Attends scheduled meetings and trainings to improve personal and professional growth.
Establishes and maintains positive, therapeutic relationships with clients.